Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To investigate the effect of peritoneal dialysis fluids on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression and extracellular matrix synthesis in the peritoneum of peritoneal dialysis rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the dialysate used: control group (Con),0.9% saline solution (NS) group,1.5% Dianeal (LG) group and 4.25% Dianeal (HG) group. Peritoneal function was estimated and peritoneal collagen thickness was measured 4 weeks after the treatment. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), CTGF, fibronectin (FN) were detected by immunohistochemistry. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNAs. Results The ultrafiltration volume was lower in LG and HG groups than in Con and NS groups (P＜0.05), and was lower in HG group than in LG group (P <0.05). D/Pcr was higher in HG group than in Con and NS groups (P＜0.05). D/D0 glucose was lower in HG group than in Con and NS groups, and was lower in LG group than in Con group (P＜0.05). The collagen of peritoneal membrane was thicker in HG group than in other groups (P＜0.05), and was thicker in LG group than in Con group (P <0.05). TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA and their proteins were higher in LG and HG groups than in Con and NS groups (P <0.05), and were significantly higher in HG group than in LG group (P <0.05). FN protein was significantly increased in HG group, as compared with that in other groups (P＜0.05), and was higher in LG group than in Con and NS groups (P <0.05). Conclusion Peritoneal dialysis fluids, especially those containing higher concentrations of glucose, up-regulates the expression of CTGF mRNA and its protein, and contributes to the peritoneal fibrosis.

Key words: Connective tissue growth factor, Peritoneal fibrosis, Transforming growth factor beta 1